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Test Code LAB923 Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis Nucleic Acid Detection

Useful For

Preferred diagnostic test for the detection of Bordetella pertussis and parapertussis respiratory tract infections.

Methodology

Helicase-Dependent Amplification (HDA)

Performing Laboratory

Bozeman Health Laboratory Services

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab

Collection Container/Tube: NP swab in Viral Transport Media

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

  1. Tilt patient's head at a 70° angle.
  2.  Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in the other hand, give shaft a 10° to 20° bend.
  3. Press swab tip on mucosal surface of mid-inferior portion of the inferior turbinate, and rub swab tip several times across mucosal surface to loosen and collect cellular material (viruses adhere to epithelial cells, this step is critical).  Eyes may tear momentarily.
  4. Slowly rotate swab as it is being withdrawn.
  5. Withdraw swab, repeat procedure for second nostril (same swab).  This technique will deliver optimal specimen.
  6. Return swab to viral transport media tube.
  7. Carefully break swab shaft at scoreline.  Use care to avoid splashing of contents.
  8. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time

NP swab in Viral Transport Media (VTM)

 Ambient 48 hours
  Refrigerated

4 days
  Frozen 5 months

 

Reference Values

Negative

 

Positive: B. pertussis and/or B. parapertussis DNA detected

Additional Information

PCR testing may be able to detect B.pertussis 3 to 4 weeks post onset, and after antibiotic therapy has been initiated.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Batched once daily, Monday through Friday. No STAT testing available.

 

*Samples received prior to 11am will be run the same day.

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87798x2